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Topic: Six (6) Years of Living Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer!

Forum:
Stage IV and Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY —

A place for those managing the ups & downs of a Stage IV/metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Please respect that this forum is for Stage IV members only. There is a separate forum For Family and Caregivers of People with a STAGE IV Diagnosis.

It's the sixth anniversary of my first treatment for breast cancer that had advanced to my lungs. The stunning diagnosis arrived shortly after my spouse and I had retired, anticipating a long life of leisure and travel stretching out before us.

Renegade cells lurking in my body for decades had other plans.

I've been on Faslodex all this time, thanks to a wise oncologist who stays on top of what's happening in the field. One-hundred and forty five injections later, I'm not only still here but also doing well. Yes, I have aches and pains and problems, but they pale in comparison to those endured by many others here.

My spouse is ceaselessly supportive. I have good friends. I am busy and active in my community---supporting and advocating for arts and humanities organizations, children's education and human rights. I enjoy expanding my horizons through reading, theatre and travel.

I know I am the proverbial Lucky Duck.

So, while I may whine and moan here and there, at heart I am grateful beyond words for my good fortune.

Woo Hoo Tina2! When I first joined this forum 2.5 years ago I was desperate to find stage iv stories of longevity to help calm my fears. Although I am no longer desperate for those stories (acceptance and understanding settles in and the panic dissipates over time), I still love to hear them and am inspired by them. I hope more people chime in with reports of many good years living with this disease and still going strong! It's a nice boost to the day!

Hey Shetlandpony - as you know I am on a trial with a pill form SERD and it is going very well so far! I believe there is another trial also with a different pill form SERD but I don't know how that one is going. Hopefully the pill option will coming to a theater near you soon!

Tina, I am right behind you. My first treatment was the first week of August, six years ago. My de novo mets came in the form of a spot on a bone. I did very well on faslodex for almost 4 years. The difference is i went and had multiple reconstructions that were very hard on my body and, imho, Is why it came back again. Spent two two years on Ibrance and now doing well on Xeloda. Tina, I think you are going to be around a very very long long time.

Tina, WOOHOO! Six years on faslodex? WOW! WOW, WOW! You are not only a human pincushion, you are one of those Exceptional Responders that we all strive to be. I am joining Kandy in the happy dance for you. I look forward to seeing your updated posts year after year after year.....!

I love reading posts that report such good news. It gives me renewed hope. Thank you.

Fabulous reason yo celebrate Tina! Thank you for sharing as the good news stories, particularly those involving the lungs, are still very important to me! Looking forward to celebrating your 12th anniversary.